Learning Facilitator

Shedd Aquarium
Chicago, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 9/30/2022 CLOSED ON 1/30/2023

Job Posting for Learning Facilitator at Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium is seeking a Learning Facilitator for our Learning Programs Department! -- Do you have a passion for animals? Are you committed to Shedd's mission and culture? You could become an integral part of Shedd's education team! 

We are all learners, teachers and have connections to our animals. Whatever the position, we do it with a sense of stewardship, quality, integrity and respect. In Learning Programs, we strive to create a strong team that represents the diversity of our learners.    

The Learning Programs department develops and delivers learning experiences outside of or in addition to a regular visit and are opportunities for learners to dive deeper. We serve a variety of audiences across Learning Programs including students, teachers, teens, youth, families, and adults. This programming includes, but is not limited to, camps, school experiences, teen learning lab, teacher professional development, out of school time programming for youth and teens and family and adult engagements both at Shedd Aquarium, in off-site locations and virtually. The Learning Facilitator’s primary role is to deliver programming that is tailored for learners including students (PK-12), youth, teachers, families, adults and middle school and high school teens. They utilize learner-centered facilitation strategies to encourage learners to think critically about the natural world and their place in it, actively seek out relevant content knowledge. During each season, the Facilitator will implement programs while working with Learning Specialists (who are primary program and lesson developers) and other team members as appropriate. The Facilitator will assist in daily setup and any preparation that is needed before and after each program. Among other duties, the Learning Facilitator provides expert interpretation of Shedd’s exhibits and collection; they do so through a variety of programs and impromptu guest interactions within assigned zones. This position must have the ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required. 

Starting salary for this position is $17/hr. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  

  • Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values 

  • Facilitate learner-centered programs for individuals including students (PK-12), youth, teachers, families, adults and middle school and high school teens through multisensory, dynamic and authentic experiences for the majority of your day 

  • Assist in seasonal program and lesson development with Learning Specialists and other staff as appropriate  

  • Apply content knowledge and best practices in science and environmental education in support of programming  

  • Utilize resources such as exhibits, props, local natural areas and technology for programming.  

  • Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to be used in working across programmatic portfolios, including team projects and facilitation, etc. 

  • Maintain resources, materials and programming spaces, including assisting with ordering of supplies, equipment, and materials as needed  

  • Participate and assist in program related trainings to ensure preparedness to implement curriculum while insuring consistency of learning experiences  

  • Contribute to program evaluations as necessary (i.e. Staff reflections, administering surveys to participants, etc.)  

  • Work in close proximity to animals, strictly adhering to all established protocols 

  • Facilitate interpretative engagements with guests during visits utilizing interpretive best practices 

  • Fulfill other duties as required 

 

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  

 

Education:  

  • Pursuing Bachelor’s degree in education, informal education, museum studies, theatre, life science or related field is preferred.  

  • A high school diploma, or equivalent, is required. 

 

Experience 

  • Minimum 1 year of experience engaging with learners in formal or informal settings 

  • Some experience designing learning experiences (programming, lessons, etc.) 

  • At least 1 year of experience engaging with youth, students, families, teens and/or adults in pursuit of broad or specific learning outcomes 

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills  

  • Willingness to be trained to handle animals for programs 

  • Experience delivering programs to a variety of audiences in a museum, zoo or aquarium setting preferred 

  • Experience in aquatic science and/or biology preferred  

  • A valid driver’s license is preferred 

 

Time Commitment 

  • Approximately 40 hours per week  

  • Must be able to work irregular hours including occasional evenings, weekends and overnight programs/events 

  • Must be able to work off-site  

 

SHEDD WAY CHARTER 

As ONE SHEDD, the Learning & Community team is expected to deliver an exceptional experience for other team members, staff, volunteers and internal and external guests. Each team member should demonstrate the Shedd WAY charter qualities including, but not limited to: 

  • Professional appearance 

  • Positive body language 

  • Seeking learner engagement 

  • Listening and responding to others’ needs 

  • Taking pride in Shedd 

  • Delight in the animals in our care 

  • Learning about and respecting those you work with 
     

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).

 

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Salary.com Estimation for Learning Facilitator in Chicago, IL
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